Wood burning stove

ABSTRACT

A heating stove which is constructed from a generally cylindrical hollow container having a concave or convex rearward end, a baffle plate, a front facing end including a door, an extended ashtray, an air intake mounted on the door, a base and a flue mounted on the top. The entire casing is glass lined and is preferably made from discarded or recycled hot water tanks although other containment shapes may be successfully utilized. The base consists of legs attached to the bottom of the stove, with two legs supporting the front and in the back. From an ecological point of view it would be desirable to recycle used or discarded hot water tanks for a useful purpose such as modifying the tanks into wood burning stoves, thereby reducing the environmental contamination and creating an inexpensive low maintenance heating device.

[0001] This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/182,442 filed Oct. 30, 1998, now abandoned which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/064,297 filed Nov. 5,1997.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to heating stoves the interior surface ofthe firebox of which is coated with a glass or enamel material. Moreparticularly this invention describes a device which is capable ofburning materials contained within a firebox comprising a modified andpreferably discarded hot water tank.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] In the field of hot water heating, hot water tanks are well knownand can be one of several types, ranging from electric hot water heatersto gas fired hot water heaters and ranging in different sizes. Normally,after these tanks have served their useful purpose, they are discardedand until now, very little, if any, use has been found for discarded hotwater tanks. Typically, hot water tanks are of an elongated cylindricalconfiguration and most are provided with a glass lining. Sometimes, suchtanks have a flat end members but more often, it is conventional to havea convex end and an opposed concave end.

[0004] As will be appreciated, discarded hot water tanks occupy a fairlylarge volume relative to land fill sites; dismantling the tanks withsubsequent recovery of components is very expensive and time consuming.

[0005] Heating stoves have, over the years, been constructed in manydifferent forms and arrangements. They have evolved from relativelysimple devices to some which are complex and expensive.

[0006] It would be desirable to recycle used or discarded items such ashot water tanks for a useful purpose; according to one aspect of thisinvention, discarded hot water tanks may be sectioned into one or moreopen ended cylindrical units, and converted to a useful wood burningstove of the like.

[0007] In this respect, Canadian Patent 1,067,775 Hannebaum, discloses astove having two distinct chambers, a fire chamber surrounded by glass,with a hinged door and a plurality of air ducts. The plurality of ductsprovide the necessary combustion and the separate exhaust chamber inwhich a plurality of baffle plates are located. In this arrangement, thechambers are separated by a vertical partition and communication betweenthe two chambers is restricted to an opening between the casing and thebottom of the partition. The baffle plates are located in the secondsection or exhaust chamber.

[0008] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,483 Todorski, teaches a heatingstove having two modes of combustion, from beneath or from above, andhaving a heat exchanger located in the rear of the device.

[0009] The present invention relates to the recycling art and preferablyto making use of discarded glass-lined hot water tanks for stoves inwhich the stove includes a novel arrangement of baffle plates, anextended ashtray, and heat shields to reduce unwanted emitted heat fromthe stove affecting the surroundings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is therefore toprovide an apparatus to be used as a wood burning stove preferablycomprising a hot water tank device having a top convex portioncompletely coated with an inner layer of glass. Another aspect of thepresent invention is to provide an apparatus to be used as a woodburning stove comprising a hot water tank having a bottom concaveportion completely coated with an inner layer of ceramic glass. Anotheraspect of the present invention is to provide metal shields and anextended ashtray to reduce the radiated heat. A further aspect of thepresent invention is to provide a manual air intake mounted on the doorto control combustion. A still further aspect of the invention is toprovide heat shielding for the bottom and back of the stove.

[0011] According to the present invention, if desired, used or recycledhot water tanks may be recycled to form useful wood stoves which resultin an economical product and one having desirable combustion propertiesby including certain arrangements of baffle plates. Hot water tanks canbe readily converted to stoves of the present invention by cutting thehot water tanks to a desired length, and by modifying the hot watertanks to add the components described herein. Depending on the type ofhot water tank, the tank may be cut in two to provide the frame or shellfor two stoves, one of which is provided with a convex end and the otherwhich is provided with a concave end. Both halves realize substantiallyall of the advantages of the present invention.

[0012] In a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided in awood burning stove formed from a modified hot water tank having a hollowgenerally circular shape with a top convex portion and a bottom concaveportion completely coated with an inner layer of ceramic glass andforming a combustion chamber, said tank being modified to have a rearclosed end and a front open end, the improvement comprising supportmeans which in this instance includes a base having front and rearsupport structures (legs), exhaust means for exhausting combustion gasesfrom the combustion chamber, a baffle plate member mounted inside theinterior of the combustion chamber, at least one heat shield mounted onthe stove, a front plate member having an aperture which is able toclose the open front end, a closable door for the aperture, and anextended ashtray secured to the front of the stove.

[0013] In a most preferred embodiment, the above heat shields include arear heat shield and a bottom heat shield.

[0014] In a preferred form according to the above, the wood burningstove includes front and rear support structures comprising at least oneleg.

[0015] In its simplest form, the wood burning stove of this inventiondescribes an exhaust means which includes a flue and an air intake. Theair intake includes a bolt having a roll pin installed within.

[0016] In various wood burning stove versions, the closable door for theaperture includes a handle and a latch assembly.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the method of constructing a modifiedwood burning stove comprises the steps of providing a hot water tank,sectioning the hot water tank into at least two sections, modifying oneof the sections by securing a front plate apertured member to onesection, providing a door member for the apertured member, securing anashtray to the modified section, mounting at least one heat shield tothe modified section and mounting at least one baffle member inside themodified section.

[0018] Having thus generally described the invention, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings illustrating preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the stove of this invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing astove of the present invention made from a section of a glass-lined hotwater tank;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, withthe door in an open position;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, withthe door in a closed position;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of one of the door frames with alatch assembly; and

[0024]FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view of the casing showing theceramic glass coating of the inside on the inside surface of the woodstove.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] The apparatus of the present invention may be fabricated from adiscarded hot water tank to form a wood burning stove 10. Although a hotwater tank will form the basis for the description of applicant'sinvention, it will be understood that other containments may be used; itbeing understood that the only stipulation is that the interior surfaceof the resulting firebox be completely coated with a suitable glassmaterial. In accordance with the present invention, it is understoodthat used or recycled hot water tanks may be used to construct thedevice of the present invention. Typically hot water tanks, which innormal use, have a generally cylindrical body comprising a steel basedcoated with a glass material, a top convex portion and a bottom concaveportion all completely coated with an inner layer of glass. Thewood-stove of this invention is formed from such a water tank and fromone of the separated ends (one having a convex end portion and the otherhaving a concave end portion).

[0026] If it is desired to fabricate the stove of this invention from aused hot water tank, the water tank is preferably cut in half, thusyielding one half having the end concave and the other end convex. Bothportions may be used to make the stove of this invention althoughpreferably the half with the convex end is used.

[0027] The stove 10 which in this instance is fabricated from a hotwater tank includes an outer cylindrical casing 11 having e.g., 18 gaugesteel, with an inside coating of glass 12 (see FIG. 6) completelycovering the inner surface of the wood-stove. The stove 10 includes arear heat shield 52 and a bottom heat shield 50 with a protrudingashtray 26 adapted to collect burnt materials and to reduce radiatedheat. A door 20 is mounted on the front of stove 10 at the open end toallow access to the interior combustion chamber 18.

[0028] The rear closure or end portion 17 of the stove 10 has a concaveshape in the preferred embodiment. Mounted on the front or open end andwhich is adapted to close off the open end of the severed hot watertanks, is a front cap or plate member 19 which is secured by, e.g.,welding or affixing the plate to the cylindrical portion of the tankcontaining the aperture. The plate member 19 is adapted to receive adoor 20 or the like. Plate member 19 includes a door frame 14 or thelike mounted around the interior of the plate member 19. In accordancewith the present invention, when door 20 is closed, combustion chamber18 is defined in the stove 10.

[0029] The door 20 includes a handle 22, a latch assembly 23 including alatch 13, hinge means 21 and a manual air intake control 24 including ae.g. {fraction (1/2)}″ bolt or any other suitable closing means.Surrounding the door is door frame 14 which is affixed to the frontplate 19 by any suitable manner, e.g., welded, bolted, etc.

[0030] Mounted on the door 20 is a manual air intake 24 to control theflow of intake air into the combustion chamber 18. Manual air intake 24(in this instance) includes a threaded bolt 25 of approximately{fraction (1/2)}″ to control or restrict the air intake into thecombustion chamber 18. Threaded bolt 25 is provided with a lockingdevice such as a roll pin to prevent the removal of the air intakecontrol device 24.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the stove 10 includes a rearwardlylocated flue 70 in communication with the combustion chamber 18 having adiameter of, e.g. 6″ which is mounted at the highest elevation of thetop surface remote from door 20. A connecting chimney pipe 72 ispositioned to conform with the flue and is also approximately 6″ indiameter. The flue 70 and corresponding chimney pipe 72 provide forexhaust gasses to be transmitted to the outside through any suitablemeans.

[0032] There is provided a baffle plate 40 which extends a predeterminedlength (in this preferred embodiment approximately {fraction (1/2)} ofthe length of the severed tank) to control the flow of combustion gassesin combustion chamber 18 to allow proper combustion and improve heatdistribution. Baffle plate 40 is secured to the inside walls 11 and therearward concave end 17 by any suitable manner (dimples etc. in thecasing structure 11). Baffle plate 40 is mounted in the rearward upperpart of the wood stove, e.g. 3″, below flue 70. The baffle plate 40 isadapted to cause a cleaner bum and to distribute more heat toward thefront of the stove.

[0033] An ashtray 26 is secured mounted to the front plate 19 of thedevice 10, and has a suitable depth, e.g., 4″, and width which in use isadapted to collect any spilled material that may escape from thecombustion chamber during ash removal etc. and to reduce radiated heat.

[0034] The stove 10 is mounted upon a supporting structure having afront support having preferably two legs 30 and a rear support having atleast one leg 32. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 the support legs 30 and 32are positioned beneath the device 10 and are adapted to allow for anincreased air circulation around the bottom of stove 10 to carry awaythe emitted heat.

[0035] Mounted to the rear of the stove 10 is a rear heat shield 52.Mounted beneath the cylindrical portion of stove 10 is a bottom heatshield 50 which in use is adapted to reduce heat radiation towards theground. Heat shields 50 and 52 in a preferred embodiment areapproximately 18 gauge steel and are adapted to reduce radiant heatwhere it could be a danger to the surrounding environment, such aswalls, flooring, furniture to the like.

[0036] In accordance with the aforementioned description, the wood-stoveof this invention is constructed through the modification of recycledhot water tanks, thus presenting an alternative and novel use of thesediscarded devices. A method of modifying the discarded tanks includesthe steps of providing a discarded hot water tank, sectioning (e.g.cutting or separating) into one or more open ended cylindrical units,and converting the tank to be used as a useful stove.

[0037] All those skilled in the art will realize, these preferredillustrated details can be subjected to substantial variation, withoutaffecting the function of the illustrated embodiments. For example, thehot water tanks as contemplated by the present invention may also beconstructed from new or custom made tanks, the shape of which may departfrom the customary cylindrical configuration described herein. Othershapes may be employed (which in some instances are aestheticallypleasing) such as cubic or parallelepiped, just so long as the interiorsurface of the combustion chamber is coated with a suitable glassmaterial.

[0038] It may be difficult to secure plate member 19 in a glass coatedconfiguration. For this reason, it may be necessary to employ a heaviergauge material to ensure longevity of the plate 19 if it is leftuncoated.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment, the top of the wood-stove 10includes a cooking surface 60. In a further alternative embodiment, theashtray 26 is mounted to allow for the collection of the ash or residualmaterial. In addition to the above, an ash-pan (not shown) of anyconventional type may be removably positioned within the combustionchamber.

[0040] In a further alternative embodiment, the front plate 19 and door20 may be replaced with a unitary structure (not shown) including a doorand hinge means, which would allow access to the whole of the interiorcombustion chamber.

[0041] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above,it is not limited thereto and it will be apparent to those skilled inthe art that numerous modifications form part of the present inventioninsofar as they do not depart from the spirit, nature and scope of theclaimed and describe invention.

What is claimed:
 1. A combustion chamber for a wood burning stovecomprising a closed vessel formed of a suitable material, said vesselhaving suitable access means and exhaust means formed therein, doormeans supplied for closing said access means, and wherein substantiallythe entire interior surface of said closed vessel is coated with a layerof a suitable glass material.
 2. A combustion chamber as claimed inclaim 1 wherein a major portion of said combustion chamber is formedfrom a discarded hot water tank.
 3. A wood burning stove comprising asuitable material formed into a hollow closed vessel, wherein theinterior surface of said hollow closed vessel is exposed to hightemperatures of burning material and products of combustion, said vesselbeing provided with a front access opening and exhaust means located insaid vessel a predetermined distance from said access opening, doormeans provided on said stove to close said access opening, airadmittance means formed in said stove to permit a controlled amount ofair into said vessel during a burning operation, the improvementcomprising a coating of a suitable glass material coating substantiallythe entire interior surface of said vessel.
 4. A wood burning stoveaccording to claim 3 , wherein said vessel has the general shape of ahollow cylinder having a circular rear closure member remote from saidaccess opening.
 5. A wood burning stove according to claim 3 , whereinsaid door means includes a latch assembly.
 6. A wood burning stoveaccording to claim 3 , wherein said stove is provided with a heat shieldmeans.
 7. A wood burning stove according to claim 3 , wherein said stoveis provided with ashtray means to reduce forwardly radiated heat.
 8. Amethod of constructing a wood burning stove comprising the steps of:providing a closed hollow metallic vessel having an interior surfacecoated with a suitable coating of glass compound; providing said vesselwith an access opening therein; providing a suitable door for saidaccess opening; providing an exhaust vent for said stove at apredetermined distance from said access opening.
 9. A method accordingto claim 8 , of providing a controllable air inlet in said door.
 10. Amethod of constructing a wood burning stove comprising the steps of:providing a hollow cylindrical metallic vessel having its interiorsurface coated with a suitable glass compound, providing said vesselwith an access opening therein; providing a suitable door for saidaccess opening, providing an exhaust vent for said stove at apredetermined distance from said access opening.
 11. A method accordingto claim 10 wherein a controllable air inlet is formed in said stove.12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said stove is provided with asuitable support structure.